Visa processing times in the UK

How long will my immigration application take?

In the UK, if you make your application in person at a Premium Service Centre, you will normally receive a decision on the same day. Your plastic Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) will normally be posted to you within three to five working days.

For Standard postal applications, the Home Office expects to be able to process 98.5% of straightforward applications within 8 weeks. For Priority postal applications, the Home Office expects to be able to process all straightforward applications within 10 days. Some applications can take longer, but this is unusual and the Home Office will write to you if this happens. These processing times are from the date when the Home Office receives your application to the date that they make a decision. It may take a few more days for the notice of their decision, your supporting documents and your Biometric Residence Permit to be posted to you.

During the summer, and before Christmas, the Home Office receives a very large number of applications and it may take longer than normal for an application to be processed. If you are applying in person, you may find that there are very few appointments available during these periods.

If your application takes longer than 8 weeks to be processed and you have not received anything in writing explaining that it will take longer, you can contact the UK Visas and Immigration contact centre on: 0300 123 2241. This is a national rate number and you can use any call allowance included in your phone contract.

Unfortunately, the time it takes to process your immigration application is outside of QMUL’s control.

If you decide that you want to receive a decision on your application more quickly after you have already applied, then it may be possible for pay the Premium Service Centre fee to expedite a decision on your application. You cancontact a Welfare Adviserto find out if it is possible for you to do this.

Warning: Do not plan any travel outside the UK until you have your passport and new BRP. If you unexpectedly need to travel urgently and your passport is at the Home Office, you can contact the Advice and Counselling Service for advice.

Disclaimer:Law, regulations and policies can change quickly. The information on our website is given in good faith and has been carefully checked but QMUL cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. QMUL is not responsible for the content or reliability of the linked websites which are provided for further information.